Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a display apparatus for displaying graphic information
and a storage medium storing a program for executing such processing.
Background Art
[0002] Generally, in a display apparatus for displaying graphic information, when displaying
the graphic information stored on the network, in order to enable smooth displaying,
the graphic information is stored on a memory capable of high-speed read/write of
data in comparison with nonvolatile storage such as HD (hard disk). However, since
it is difficult to acquire all graphic information from the memory having a capacity
limit, necessary information is acquired accordingly from nonvolatile storage inside
the display apparatus or a sever on a network or an external electronic device such
as HD, thereby preliminarily acquiring information prior or subsequent to the displayed
information.
[0003] Additionally, in a display apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No.
2005-156626, in order to display received information more visible on a mobile phone, suitable
scrolling increments and timing of scrolls are determined according to the display
and processing ability of the mobile phone on the receiving-end, thereby making all
display data to be reproduced as viewable.
Patent Reference 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2005-156626
[0004] An example of a display apparatus which acquires the information prior or subsequent
to the displayed information is described with reference to the case of displaying
information of content list acquired from a server on the network on a display screen.
The content list includes a lot of title information, so that, by and large, it is
difficult to display all content title information on the display screen. Therefore,
a user views the displayed information of the list operating a scroll bar or an up-down
key. Here, the display apparatus preliminarily stores in the memory not only the content
title information displayed on the display screen but also content title information
previous or subsequent to the displayed content title information. Fig. 1 is an illustration
of a state of storing partial information of the content list in the memory. As shown
in Fig. 1, not only information of content titles 10 to 14, which are displayed on
the display screen, but also information of content titles 15 to 19, which are subsequent
to the information, are stored in the memory.
Disclosure of the Invention
Problems that the Invention Tries to Solve
[0005] However, even by using the above technologies, in cases where the user does specific
operation successively and at high-speed, it is impossible to compensate with the
information preliminarily stored in the memory, so that it is necessary to acquire
information for display from the sever on the network, the external electronic device
such as HD or the nonvolatile storage inside the display apparatus. Therefore, the
user is made to wait until the information, which the user needs, is displayed, so
that it is difficult to reflect the high-speed operations on the display of graphic.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] In order to solve the above deficiencies, in a display apparatus of the present invention,
caching of the graphic information, which can be used for display, is carried out
according to the user's operation history concerning the graphic.
Effects of the Invention
[0007] According to the display apparatus of the present invention, based on a tendency
of the user's operations concerning the graphics, look-ahead caching of the graphic
information, which can be used for display in the future, is carried out, thereby
enabling smooth display of the graphics in response to the successive and high-speed
operations without sufficient capacity of storage area in a memory to store the cache
information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Fig. 1 is an illustration of a state of storing partial information of a content list
in the conventional apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation history stored in the storage
for operation history of the display apparatus of the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the first embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a second embodiment.
Fig. 7 is an illustration of a state of storing partial information of a content list
in the display apparatus of the second embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the second embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the second embodiment.
Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a third embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the third embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the third embodiment.
Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a fourth embodiment.
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the fourth embodiment.
Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the fourth embodiment.
Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a fifth embodiment.
Fig. 17 is a diagram showing temporal variation of cache memory area allocated according
to an operation history in the display apparatus of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 20 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a sixth embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a diagram showing shifting rates stored as the operation history in the
display apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
Fig. 24 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of a seventh embodiment.
Fig. 25 is a diagram showing information calculated from a relation with screen ID
in the display apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
Fig. 28 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of an eighth embodiment.
Fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of manner of division of an area on a screen
in the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
Fig. 30 is a diagram showing information calculated from a relation with location
area in the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
Description of Reference Numerals
[0009]
0200 Display apparatus
0201 Graphic display
0202 Graphic operator
0203 Storage for operation history
0204 Look-ahead cache
0205 Determination unit for look-ahead range
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Hereinbelow, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Relations between
the embodiments and claims are as follows. The first embodiment will mainly describe
Claims 1 and 9. The second embodiment will mainly describe Claim 2. The third embodiment
will mainly describe Claim 3. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe Claim 4.
The fifth embodiment will mainly describe Claim 5. The sixth embodiment will mainly
describe Claim 6. The seventh embodiment will mainly describe Claim 7. The eighth
embodiment will mainly describe Claim 8. The present invention is not to be limited
to the above embodiments and able to be embodied in various forms without departing
from the scope thereof.
<<First Embodiment>>
<Concept of First Embodiment>
[0011] A display apparatus of a first embodiment carries out caching of the graphic information,
which can be used for display, according to the user's operation history concerning
the graphic. Specifically, in cases where the user does specific operation successively
and at high-speed, cache memory is preferentially allocated to the graphic information
correlated with the specific operation, thereby enabling smooth display of the graphic
in response to the successive and high-speed operation.
<Configuration of First Embodiment>
[0012] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the first embodiment.
The respective units of the present invention can be configured by hardware, software,
or both hardware and software. For example, in the case of using a computer, the respective
units are implemented by the hardware configured by a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface,
and other peripheral devices etc., and by the software operable on the hardware. Concretely
speaking, by sequentially carrying out programs in the memory, the data in the memory
and the data inputted via the interface are processed, stored, and outputted etc.,
thereby implementing functions of the respective units.
[0013] In Fig. 2, a 'display apparatus' 0200 of the first embodiment comprises a 'graphic
display' 0201, a 'graphic operator' 0202, a 'storage for operation history' 0203,
a 'look-ahead cache' 0204, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 0205. Moreover,
the present invention can be implemented not only as an apparatus but also as a method
(the same applies throughout the entire specification).
[0014] The 'graphic operator' is configured to receive an operation concerning a graphic
displayed by the graphic display. The terms 'receive an operation concerning a graphic'
means that an operation to vary display of the graphic on the display is received.
Examples of the operation include an operation to move or rotate the graphic components
of the display of graphic, or an operation to newly add or delete the graphic components
for the display of graphic. Moreover, examples of the operation include an operation
to scroll in direction of right to left or up and down or a combination of these directions
(relating to the second embodiment), or an operation to scale (relating to in the
third embodiment). Furthermore, examples of the operation include an operation to
select a link on a web page to move from a content page on the web browser to another
page, or an operation to select a reproduction button on the display screen to reproduce
movie information of a film etc. stored in the electronic device connected with the
display apparatus. These operations can be executed through a user interface such
as a mouse, a keyboard or a tablet.
[0015] The 'storage for operation history' is configured to store operation history of the
graphic. Examples of the operation history of graphic include content of each operation
inputted through the I/O by the user, total number and number of successive operations,
an order and date and time of each operation, and elapsed time from one operation
to another operation. As a storage area for these operation histories, a part of storage
area in the storage can be allocated and the area can be extended accordingly. Moreover,
if a capacity etc. of the history information of the operation stored in the storage
for operation history excesses a predetermined limit, it is possible to delete operations
from the oldest one every time new operation is carried out by the user. Moreover,
it can be varied as to how many operations in the past are stored as the operation
history.
[0016] The 'look-ahead cache' is configured to carry out look-ahead caching of graphic information,
which can be used for display through the graphic operation.
[0017] The term 'graphic information, which can be used for display through the graphic
operation' is, for example, graphic information, which is unnecessary for the display
at this time, but becomes necessary to be acquired due to operation such as moving,
in the case of an operation to move or rotate the graphic components configuring the
display of graphic. Moreover, in the case of operation to add or delete the graphic
components for the display of graphic, the information is graphic information, which
becomes necessary to be acquired due to the operation such as addition. For example,
in the case of automatic addition and display of specific graphic components according
to a state of the graphic components, for which the operation is done, the information
of graphic components to be added and displayed due to further operation can be used
for the display.
[0018] Moreover, in the case of the operation to scroll in the direction of right to left
or up and down or a combination of these directions, the graphic information, which
is not displayed at this time but is later displayed as a result of the scrolling,
can be used for the display (relating to the second embodiment). Similarly, in the
case of the operation to scale the display area of the graphic, the graphic information
of detail, which is not displayed at this time but is later displayed as a result
of scaling up, or the graphic information, which is not displayed at this time but
is later added as a new area as a result of scaling down, can be used for the display
(relating to the third embodiment).
[0019] Moreover, in the case of the operation to select a link 1 on a web page A to move
from a content page A on the web browser to another page B, it is expected to do an
operation to select another link 2 on page B. Therefore, the graphic information of
a content page C correlated with the link 2 can be used for the display.
[0020] The term 'look-ahead caching of graphic information' means that the information,
which is unnecessary for display at this time but can be displayed, is preliminarily
stored in the memory of the display apparatus as the cache data. Therefore, smooth
display of the graphics can be executed in response to the successive and high-speed
operation. Here, for example, the graphic information to be stored in the memory may
be received from a broadcast station or an external server, or may be acquired from
an electronic device such as a HDD or a DVD-HD, connected with the display apparatus,
or an internal storage.
[0021] The 'determination unit for look-ahead range' is configured to determine information
range to be looked ahead according to the operation history. The term 'determine information
range to be looked ahead according to the operation history' means that the acquisition
range of the graphic information, which is determined based on the operation history
to be necessary to be preliminarily stored in the memory, is determined.
[0022] Hereinbelow, for convenience sake, a display memory area for storing the graphic
information being currently displayed and a cache memory area for storing the graphic
information in the look-ahead range are described separately. However, such separation
is not always necessary as the actual configuration of the apparatus.
[0023] As an example, a description of a determination method for look-ahead range when
there is an operation history for the previous 15 operations as shown in Fig. 3 is
provided. Here, it is assumed that the graphic operations 1 to 5 can be executed.
In the previous 15 operations, the number of executions of operation 1 is 2, the number
of executions of operation 2 is 5, the number of executions of operation 3 is 6, the
number of executions of operation 4 is 2, and the number of executions of operation
5 is 0. At the outset, operations 1 to 5 are separated into individual operations,
having the necessity of caching the graphic information correlated therewith, and
an operation, not having the necessity of caching the graphic information correlated
therewith, and the cache memory is allocated only to the graphic information correlated
with the operation having the necessity of caching. In this method, 10% of the cache
memory is evenly allocated irrespective of the operation history, and 60% is allocated
to the operations 1, 3, 4, and 5 in proportion to the number of executions of each
operation. Therefore, it is possible to secure minimum cache area for each operation
in the memory, and to allocate the cache memory to each operation according to the
operation history. Such determination of look-ahead range may be executed with respect
to each operation, and may be executed with respect to each predetermined number of
operations.
<Concrete Configuration of First Embodiment>
[0024] Subsequently, the respective hardware configurations of the display apparatus of
the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example
of a hardware configuration of the display apparatus of the first embodiment. As shown
in Fig. 4, the look-ahead cache and determination unit for look-ahead range comprise
a 'CPU' 0401 and a 'main memory' 0402. In addition, the storage for operation history
comprises a 'storage (or storage medium)' (0503). Moreover, a 'network interface'
0404 for externally acquiring the graphic information is comprised, and a 'display'
0405 as the graphic display and an 'I/O' 0406 as the graphic operator are comprised.
These are mutually connected through the data communication path of a 'system bus'
0407, thereby carrying out transmission/reception and processing of the information.
The storage carries out nonvolatile storage of various programs executed by the CPU.
The main memory provides work area used upon execution of the programs by the CPU,
and temporarily stores the cached graphic information. In addition, a plurality of
memory addresses are assigned to the main memory and the storage respectively, so
that the program executed by the CPU specifies the memory address and accesses thereto,
thereby mutually exchanging data and carrying out processing. Moreover, in the description
below, although the program is preliminarily developed and resident in the work area
of the main memory, it is possible to call the program from the storage as necessary.
Moreover, the network interface has a function of storing the received graphic information
into the storage or the main memory.
[0025] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
the process for writing new operation in the operation history, and the updated operation
history is stored in the storage. Here, in order to reduce writing time as much as
possible, necessary operation information may be temporarily stored on the main memory,
and may be written with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0026] For example, when it is determined that the processing for updating the operation
history is executed by the CPU, the program for determining look-ahead range causes
the CPU to execute calculation for determining the look-ahead range based on the numerical
data of the new operation history information stored in the main memory. The determination
of look-ahead range may be executed with respect to each operation, and may be executed
with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0027] Moreover, when the program for determining look-ahead range is executed by the CPU
and the look-ahead range is determined, the program for look-ahead caching outputs
an instruction to acquire the graphic information in the look-ahead range indicated
by the execution result to the network interface. When the network interface receives
the instruction, the graphic information is acquired and stored in the main memory
as the cache information.
<Processing Flow of First Embodiment>
[0028] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the first embodiment.
The processes in Fig. 5 include the following steps. At the outset, in step S0501,
it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here, if an operation
not concerning graphic has been received, it can be determined that the graphic operation
has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic operation has been
received, step S0502 is carried out. If it is determined that the graphic operation
has not been received, the processing stays in a standby state. This processing is
mainly carried out by the graphic operator. In step S0502, the operation history is
updated based on the received graphic operation information. In step S0503, the look-ahead
range of the graphic information, which can be used for display, is determined according
to the updated operation history. This processing is mainly carried out by the determination
unit for look-ahead range. In step S0504, look-ahead caching of the graphic information
is carried out. This processing is mainly carried out by the look-ahead cache.
[0029] The above processes can be executed by the program to cause a computer to execute,
and the program can be recorded in a recording medium readable by the computer (the
same applies to the entire specification).
<Brief Description of Effects of First Embodiment>
[0030] According to the display apparatus of the first embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operations executed for the graphic in the past, and the
look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which can be used for the display in
the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth display of the graphic in response
to the successive and high-speed operations without sufficient capacity of storage
area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Second Embodiment>>
<Concept of Second Embodiment>
[0031] A display apparatus of a second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first
embodiment, and is different from that of the first embodiment in carrying out look-ahead
caching of graphic information for displaying a graphic, which newly appears at some
point while scrolling, when the graphic operation is scrolling in a direction of right
to left or up and down or a combination of these directions.
<Configuration of Second Embodiment>
[0032] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the second embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 0600 of the second embodiment comprises a 'graphic display'
0601, a 'graphic operator' 0602, a 'storage for operation history' 0603, a 'look-ahead
cache' 0604, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 0605. The 'look-ahead
cache' comprises 'means for caching with respect to each scroll direction' 0606. The
configuration is basically the same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment,
so that only the means for caching with respect to each scroll direction is different
from the first embodiment, and description thereof is provided hereinbelow.
[0033] The 'means for caching with respect to each scroll direction' is configured to carry
out the look-ahead caching of the graphic information for displaying a graphic, which
newly appears at some point while scrolling, when the graphic operation is scrolling
in a direction of right to left or up and down or a combination of these directions.
[0034] When scrolling the graphic in a direction of right to left or up and down or a combination
of these directions, look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which is not displayed
at this time but is later displayed as a result of the scrolling, is executed.
[0035] As to the determination method for look-ahead range, when scrolling in a direction
of up and down, for example, a predetermined proportion of the cache memory area (e.g.,
10%) is allocated to the data in the direction of up and down irrespective of the
operation history, and the remaining cache memory area is additionally allocated to
the data in the direction of up and down in proportion to the number of executions
of operation in each direction among multiple previous operations (e.g., 10 previous
operations). Moreover, when the one operation executed successively and multiple times
(e.g., 5 times), a predetermined proportion of the cache memory area (e.g., 80%) may
be allocated to the data in the direction of the operation, and the remaining cache
memory area may be allocated to the data in the opposite direction.
[0036] Fig. 7 is an illustration of a state of storing partial information of a content
list in the display apparatus of the second embodiment when there is a strong tendency
of an operation to move the display area upward. Here, information of the content
titles 10 to 14 is stored in the display memory. Additionally, the determination unit
for look-ahead range carries out weighting to the adjacent information in the upward
direction, and determines the look-ahead range, so that non-displayed information
of the content titles 3 to 9, which is adjacent in the upward direction, and non-displayed
information of the content titles 15 to 17, which is adjacent in the downward direction,
are stored in the cache memory. Subsequently, based on the look-ahead range, the means
for caching with respect to each scroll direction executes caching of the graphic
information of the content titles 3 to 9 and the graphic information of the content
titles 15 to 17. In the above example, although only the description on the scrolling
in the direction of up and down was provided, the same applies to the scrolling in
the direction of right and left in addition to up and down.
<Concrete Configuration of Second Embodiment>
[0037] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the
display apparatus of the second embodiment. The configuration is basically the same
as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to Fig.
4. However, the apparatus of the second embodiment has a program for caching with
respect to each scroll direction as one of the programs for look-ahead caching.
[0038] When the program for determining look-ahead range is executed by the CPU, the program
for caching with respect to each scroll direction outputs an instruction to acquire
the graphic information in the look-ahead range, which has been determined with respect
to each scroll direction of up, down, right or left, and is indicated by the execution
result. In accordance with this instruction, the graphic information is acquired through
the network interface and stored in the memory. Other concrete configurations are
the same as those of the display apparatus of the first embodiment, so that descriptions
are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Second Embodiment>
[0039] The processes in the display apparatus of the second embodiment include the same
steps as those in the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing processes in
the display apparatus of the second embodiment. The processes in Fig. 9 include the
following steps. At the outset, in step S0901, it is determined whether the graphic
operation has been received. Here, if an operation not concerning graphic has been
received, it can be determined that the graphic operation has not been received. Here,
if it is determined that the graphic operation has been received, step S0902 is carried
out. If it is determined that the graphic operation has not been received, the processing
stays in a standby state. This processing is mainly carried out by the graphic operator.
In step S0902, the operation history is updated based on the received graphic operation
information.
[0040] In step S0903, it is determined based on the operation history that the scroll operation
has been done more than or equal to n times (e.g., 5 times) successively. If so, step
S0904A is carried out. If not, step S0904B is carried out. In step S0904A, the look-ahead
range is determined based on the operation history of previous 2n operations. In step
S0904B, the look-ahead range is determined based on the operation history of previous
4n operations. Therefore, when the scroll operation has been executed successively,
by utilizing comparatively recent operation history, the successive operations are
effectively reflected on the look-ahead range. This processing is mainly carried out
by the determination unit for look-ahead range. In step S0905, look-ahead caching
of the graphic information is carried out. This processing is mainly carried out by
the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Second Embodiment>
[0041] According to the display apparatus of the second embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operations executed for the graphic in the past, and the
look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which can be used for the display in
the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth display of the graphic in response
to the successive and high-speed operations without sufficient capacity of storage
area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Third Embodiment>>
<Concept of Third Embodiment>
[0042] A display apparatus of a third embodiment is basically same as that of the first
embodiment, and is different from that of the first embodiment in carrying out look-ahead
caching of graphic information for displaying a graphic, which newly appears at some
point while scrolling, when the graphic operation is scaling.
<Configuration of Third Embodiment>
[0043] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the third embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 1000 of the third embodiment comprises a 'graphic display' 1001,
a 'graphic operator' 1002, a 'storage for operation history' 1003, a 'look-ahead cache'
1004, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 1005. The 'look-ahead cache'
comprises 'means for scaling' 1006. The other configurations are basically same as
those of the apparatus of the first embodiment, so that only the means for caching
in scaling is different from the first embodiment, and description thereof is provided
hereinbelow.
[0044] The 'means for caching in scaling' is configured to carry out the look-ahead caching
of the graphic information for displaying a graphic, which newly appears at some point
during scaling, when the graphic operation is scaling of the graphic.
[0045] When executing the scaling operation for the display area of the graphic, the look-ahead
caching of the graphic information including detailed information, which is not displayed
at this time but later becomes necessary to display as a result of the scale-up operation,
or the graphic information including information of larger area, which is not displayed
at this time but later becomes necessary to display as a result of the scale-down
operation, is executed. For example, the case of displaying a graphic of map information
including information of streets and railways etc. is described. Generally, when scaling
the map area up, it is necessary to acquire the graphic information of the map including
narrow streets and small shops etc. On the other hand, when scaling the map area down,
it is necessary to newly acquire the graphic information of the map including peripheral
area of the displayed area.
[0046] When the graphic operation is the scaling up or scaling down of the graphic, as to
the determination method for look-ahead range, for example, a predetermined proportion
of the cache memory area (e.g., 20%) is allocated to the graphic information, which
becomes necessary to be acquired for the display due to the scale-up or scale-down
operation, and the remaining cache memory area is additionally allocated to the data
in the graphic information correlated with the respective operations in proportion
to the number of executions of each operation among multiple previous operations (e.g.,
10 prior operations). Moreover, when the one operation executed successively and multiple
times (e.g., 3 times), a predetermined proportion of the cache memory area (e.g.,
60%) may be allocated to the graphic information correlated with the direction of
the operation, and the remaining cache memory area may be allocated to the graphic
information correlated with the other operation.
<Concrete Configuration of Third Embodiment>
[0047] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the third embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the third embodiment has a program for caching with
respect to each scroll direction as one of the programs for look-ahead caching.
[0048] When the program for determining look-ahead range is executed by the CPU, the program
for scaling outputs an instruction to acquire the graphic information, which newly
appears at some point due to the scaling and is indicated by the execution result.
In accordance with this instruction, the graphic information is acquired through the
network interface and stored in the memory. Other concrete configurations are the
same as those of the display apparatus of the first or second embodiment, so that
descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Third Embodiment>
[0049] The processes in the display apparatus of the third embodiment include the same steps
as those in the first or second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing processes
in the display apparatus of the third embodiment. The processes in Fig. 12 include
the following steps. At the outset, in step S1201, it is determined whether the graphic
operation has been received. Here, if an operation not concerning graphic has been
received, it can be determined that the graphic operation has not been received. Here,
if it is determined that the graphic operation has been received, step S1202 is carried
out. If it is determined that the graphic operation has not been received, the processing
stays in a standby state. This processing is mainly carried out by the graphic operator.
In step S 1202, the operation history is updated based on the received graphic operation
information.
[0050] In step S1203, it is determined based on the operation history that the scaling operation
has been done more than or equal to n/2 times among the previous n operations (e.g.,
10 times). If so, step S1204A is carried out. If not, step S1204B is carried out.
In step S1204A, the look-ahead range is determined based on the operation history
of previous n operations. In step S0904B, the look-ahead range is determined based
on the operation history of previous 2n operations. Therefore, when there is a strong
tendency to execute the scaling operation, by utilizing comparatively recent operation
history, the strong tendency is effectively reflected on the look-ahead range. This
processing is mainly carried out by the determination unit for look-ahead range. In
step S0905, look-ahead caching of the graphic information is carried out. This processing
is mainly carried out by the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Third Embodiment>
[0051] According to the display apparatus of the third embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operations executed for the graphic in the past, and the
look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which can be used for the display in
the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth display of the graphic in response
to the successive and high-speed operations without sufficient capacity of storage
area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Fourth Embodiment>>
<Concept of Fourth Embodiment>
[0052] A display apparatus of a fourth embodiment is basically same as that of any one of
the first to third embodiments, and is different from those of the first to third
embodiments in storing the number of operations with respect to each operation executed
by the graphic operator as the operation history.
<Configuration of Fourth Embodiment>
[0053] Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the fourth embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 1300 of the fourth embodiment comprises a 'graphic display'
1301, a 'graphic operator' 1302, a 'storage for operation history' 1303, a 'look-ahead
cache' 1304, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 1305. The 'storage for
operation history' comprises 'means for storing number of operations' 1306. The other
configurations are basically same as those of the apparatus of any one of the first
to third embodiments, so that only the means for storing number of operations is different
from the first to third embodiments, and description thereof is provided hereinbelow.
[0054] The 'means for storing number of operations' is configured to store the number of
operations with respect to each operation executed by the graphic operator as the
operation history. By storing the number of operations with respect to each operation,
for example, it is possible to determine the proportion of each operation among the
total number of operations, thereby determining the look-ahead caching range of the
graphic information based on this proportion. As to the number of operations, it is
not necessary to carry out storing as to all operations, and it is possible to carry
out storing as to only a specific operation. For example, even the operation concerning
graphic, when there is no necessity of acquiring new graphic information, the operation
may not be acquired. Moreover, it is possible to group the respective operations (e.g.,
a group of operations for instructing direction, a group of operations for scaling,
or a group of operations for inputting text), and to store the number of operations
for each group. Moreover, it is possible to carry out setting as to how many previous
operations are stored.
<Concrete Configuration of Fourth Embodiment>
[0055] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the fourth embodiment stores the number of operations
with respect to each operation as the operation history.
[0056] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
a process for updating the operation history information of the detail of operations.
Here, in order to reduce writing time as much as possible, necessary operation information
may be temporarily stored on the main memory, and may be written with respect to each
predetermined number of operations.
[0057] For example, when it is determined that the processing for updating the operation
history is executed by the CPU, the program for determining look-ahead range causes
the CPU to execute calculation for determining the look-ahead range based on the numerical
data of the new operation history information stored in the main memory. In the calculation,
rates of execution of each operation is calculated based on the number of operations
stored as the operation history, and further carries out calculation, so that the
look-ahead range is allocated to the graphic information correlated with each operation
in proportion to the rates. The determination of look-ahead range may be executed
with respect to each operation, and may be executed with respect to each predetermined
number of operations.
[0058] Other concrete configurations are the same as those of the display apparatus of any
one of the first to third embodiments, so that descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Fourth Embodiment>
[0059] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the fourth embodiment.
The processes in Fig. 15 include the following steps. At the outset, in step S1501,
it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here, if an operation
not concerning a graphic has been received, it can be determined that the graphic
operation has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic operation
has been received, step S1502 is carried out. If it is determined that the graphic
operation has not been received, the processing stays in a standby state. This processing
is mainly carried out by the graphic operator. In step S1502, the operation history
including the number of operations is updated based on the received graphic operation
information. In step S1503, the look-ahead range of the graphic information, which
can be used for display, is determined according to the operation history. This processing
is mainly carried out by the determination unit for look-ahead range. In step S1504,
look-ahead caching of the graphic information is carried out. This processing is mainly
carried out by the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Fourth Embodiment>
[0060] According to the display apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operation history including the number of operations with
respect to each operation for the graphic, and the look-ahead caching of the graphic
information, which can be used for the display in the future, is executed, thereby
enabling smooth display of the graphic in response to the successive and high-speed
operations without sufficient capacity of storage area in a memory to store the cache
information.
<<Fifth Embodiment>>
<Concept of Fifth Embodiment>
[0061] A display apparatus of a fifth embodiment is basically the same as that of any one
of the first to fourth embodiments, and is different from those of the first to fourth
embodiments in storing elapsed time between operations.
<Configuration of Fifth Embodiment>
[0062] Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the fifth embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 1600 of the fifth embodiment comprises a 'graphic display' 1601,
a 'graphic operator' 1602, a 'storage for operation history' 1603, a 'look-ahead cache'
1604, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 1605. The 'storage for operation
history' comprises 'means for storing elapsed time' 1606. The other configurations
are basically same as those of the apparatus of any one of the first to fourth embodiments,
so that only the means for storing elapsed time is different from the first to fourth
embodiments, and description thereof is provided hereinbelow.
[0063] The 'means for storing elapsed time' is configured to store elapsed-time between
operations executed by the graphic operator as the operation history. Generally, prediction
performance for a subsequent operation based on the past operation history varies
with elapsed time. For example, when executing an operation successively in the last
minute, it is predicted that the subsequent operation is to be the same as the previous
operation in the last minute. However, when executing the subsequent operation after
passage of an extended period of time from the successive execution of the previous
operation, in comparison with the above case, the possibility of executing the same
operation as the previous operation is low, and the prediction performance based on
the operation history decreases.
[0064] When the elapsed-time between the respective operations is stored as the operation
history, the determination unit for look-ahead range can gradually decrease the effect
of the operation history based on the elapsed-time between the respective operations,
thereby determining the look-ahead range. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the area
in the cache memory allocated according to the operation history is gradually decreased
in a linear-functional manner by using the elapsed time as a variable. In this case,
at the point of execution of the previous operation, the area allocated according
to the operation history is 80%, and the area allocated irrespective of the operation
history is 20%. The above allocation varies with the elapsed time, and after a lapse
of 60 seconds, it is fixed that the area allocated according to the operation history
is 80%, and the area allocated irrespective of the operation history is 20%. Therefore,
it is possible to secure minimum cache area for the graphic information correlated
with each operation, and to allocate the cache memory area according to the operation
history and the elapsed time.
<Concrete Configuration of Fifth Embodiment>
[0065] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the fifth embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the fifth embodiment comprises a 'timer' 1808 for
measuring the elapsed-time between the respective operations, and stores the elapsed
time information, information of elapsed time between the respective operations, as
the operation history.
[0066] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
a process for updating the operation history information of details of new operation
and the elapsed time acquired from the timer. Here, in order to reduce writing time
as much as possible, necessary operation information may be temporarily stored on
the main memory, and may be written with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0067] For example, when it is determined that the processing for updating the operation
history is executed by the CPU, the program for determining look-ahead range causes
the CPU to execute calculation for determining the look-ahead range based on the numerical
data of the new operation history information stored in the main memory. Here, it
is possible to calculate, so that effect of the operation history is gradually decreased
based on the elapsed-time between the respective operations. The determination of
look-ahead range may be executed with respect to each operation, and may be executed
with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0068] Other concrete configurations are the same as those of the display apparatus of any
one of the first to fourth embodiments, so that descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Fifth Embodiment>
[0069] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the fifth embodiment.
The processes in Fig. 19 include the following steps. At the outset, in step S 1901,
it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here, if an operation
not concerning graphic has been received, it can be determined that the graphic operation
has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic operation has been
received, step S1902 is carried out. If it is determined that the graphic operation
has not been received, the processing is terminated. This processing is mainly carried
out by the graphic operator. In step S1902, elapsed-time from execution of the previous
operation to execution of the current operation is calculated. In step S1903, the
operation history is updated based on the received graphic operation information and
the elapsed time. In step S1904, the look-ahead range of the graphic information,
which can be used for display, is determined according to the operation history including
the elapsed time. This processing is mainly carried out by the determination unit
for look-ahead range. In step S1905, look-ahead caching of the graphic information
is carried out. This processing is mainly carried out by the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Fifth Embodiment>
[0070] According to the display apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operation history for the graphic and the elapsed-time between
the respective operations, and the look-ahead caching of the graphic information,
which can be used for the display in the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth
display of the graphic in response to the successive and high-speed operations without
sufficient capacity of storage area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Sixth Embodiment>>
<Concept of Sixth Embodiment>
[0071] A display apparatus of a sixth embodiment is basically same as that of any one of
the first to fifth embodiments, and is different from those of the first to fifth
embodiments in storing shifting rates from one operation to another operation as the
operation history.
<Configuration of Sixth Embodiment>
[0072] Fig. 20 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 2000 of the sixth embodiment comprises a 'graphic display' 2001,
a 'graphic operator' 2002, a 'storage for operation history' 2003, a 'look-ahead cache'
2004, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 2005. The 'storage for operation
history' comprises 'means for storing shifting rates' 2006. The other configurations
are basically the same as those of the apparatus of any one of the first to fifth
embodiments, so that only the means for storing shifting rates is different from the
first to fifth embodiments, and description thereof is provided hereinbelow.
[0073] The 'means for storing shifting rates' is configured to store rates of shifting the
operation from one to another, executed through the graphic operator, as the operation
history.
[0074] The term 'rates of shifting the operation from one to another, executed through the
graphic operator' refers to rates of execution of the other operation after execution
of one operation through the graphic operator.
[0075] For example, when the user carries out input operation using a keyboard, the information
of rates as shown in Fig. 21 can be stored as the operation history information. Here,
for the sake of convenience, the 'key operation for moving up and down or right and
left' is described as the operation concerning graphic. However, the same applies
to other operations such as the 'key operation for scaling up or down' and the 'key
operation for rotating the graphic components'. As a method for calculation of the
shifting rates, for example, a statistical processing of the operation subsequently
executed after execution of one operation based on the past operation history, thereby
calculating the sifting rates.
[0076] Moreover, for example, the shifting rates with respect to each key group may be included.
Specifically, grouping such as a 'group of key operation for moving up and down or
right and left', a 'group of key operation for scaling up or down' or a 'group of
key operation for editing display content' may be executed, thereby storing the shifting
rates between the key operation groups as the operation history.
[0077] By storing these shifting rates between the key operation groups as the operation
history, it is possible to determine the look-ahead range based on the shifting rates.
For example, when one operation is previously executed, it is possible to determine
allocation of the cache memory area for the graphic information correlated with the
respective operations in proportion to the rates of execution of any subsequent operation
from the one operation.
<Concrete Configuration of Sixth Embodiment>
[0078] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the sixth embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the sixth embodiment has a program for calculating
information of shifting rates, and stores the information of shifting as the operation
history.
[0079] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
a process for updating the operation history information of details of new operation
and the elapsed time acquired from the timer. Here, in order to reduce writing time
as much as possible, necessary operation information may be temporarily stored on
the main memory, and may be written with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
The program for calculating information of shifting rates causes the CPU to execute
calculation for the information of shifting rates from one operation to the other
operation based on the new operation history stored in the main memory, thereby executing
a process for writing the shifting rates of the operation history at a predetermined
timing.
[0080] When it is determined that calculation of the information of shifting rates is executed
by the CPU, the program for determining look-ahead range causes the CPU to execute
calculation for determining the look-ahead range based on the information of shifting
rates stored in the memory. Here, it is possible to execute calculation, so that the
look-ahead range is allocated to the graphic information correlated with the respective
operations in proportion to the respective shifting rates between operations. The
determination of look-ahead range may be executed with respect to each operation,
and may be executed with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0081] Other concrete configurations are the same as those of the display apparatus of any
one of the first to fifth embodiments, so that descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Sixth Embodiment>
[0082] Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
The processes in Fig. 23 include the following steps. At the outset, in step 2301,
it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here, if an operation
not concerning graphic has been received, it can be determined that the graphic operation
has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic operation has been
received, step S2302 is carried out. If it is determined that the graphic operation
has not been received, the processing stays in a standby state. This processing is
mainly carried out by the graphic operator. In step S2302, the operation history is
updated based on the received graphic operation information. In step S2303, the shifting
rates between operations is calculated from the operation history, thereby updating
the operation history based on the calculated information of shifting rates. In step
S2304, the look-ahead range of the graphic information, which can be used for display,
is determined according to the operation history including the information of shifting
rates. This processing is mainly carried out by the determination unit for look-ahead
range. In step S2305, look-ahead caching of the graphic information is carried out.
This processing is mainly carried out by the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Sixth Embodiment>
[0083] According to the display apparatus of the sixth embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the operation history for the graphic and the shifting rates
between operations, and the look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which can
be used for the display in the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth display
of the graphic in response to the successive and high-speed operations without sufficient
capacity of storage area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Seventh Embodiment>>
<Concept of Seventh Embodiment>
[0084] A display apparatus of a seventh embodiment is basically the same as that of any
one of the first to sixth embodiments, and is different from those of the first to
sixth embodiments in storing a relation between an operation with a screen ID of the
operation carried out on the graphic display as the operation history.
<Configuration of Seventh Embodiment>
[0085] Fig. 24 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 2400 of the seventh embodiment comprises a 'graphic display'
2401, a 'graphic operator' 2402, a 'storage for operation history' 2403, a 'look-ahead
cache' 2404, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 2405. The 'storage for
operation history' comprises 'means for storing relation with screen ID' 2406. The
other configurations are basically the same as those of the apparatus of any one of
the first to sixth embodiments, so that only the means for storing relation with screen
ID is different from the first to sixth embodiments, and description thereof is provided
hereinbelow.
[0086] The 'means for storing relation with screen ID' is configured to store a relation
between the operation executed through the graphic operator and a screen ID in the
graphic display as the operation history. Here, the 'screen ID' corresponds to a symbol
etc. for identifying the respective graphics configuring the screen. For example,
screen ID is separately assigned to a graphic indicating content list, graphic indicating
map information, graphic indicating WEB browser, graphic indicating text editor etc.,
and a plurality of screen IDs may be contained on one display screen.
[0087] By storing the details of operation and the screen ID of the graphic as a target
of the operation as the operation history, for example, it is possible to execute
a statistical processing for the operation history, thereby calculating the rate information
as shown in Fig. 25. In Fig. 25, when the content list has been selected on the screen,
the rates of execution of the scrolling up or down is high, and when the map information
has been selected on the screen, the rates of execution of the scaling up or down
is high. According to such information, even if the plurality of screen IDs may be
contained on one display screen, it is possible to specify the graphic information,
to which the cache memory area is preferentially allocated, based on the screen ID.
Here, in a method for allocating the cache memory, for example, the allocation may
be executed in proportion to the above rates. Note that, in the above example, the
relation between the graphic operations and the screen ID of the selected graphic
has been described, and a relation between the graphic operation and the screen IDs
of the plurality of graphics displayed on the screen may be used.
<Concrete Configuration of Seventh Embodiment>
[0088] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the seventh embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the seventh embodiment has a program for calculating
information of relation with screen ID for calculating the relation between an operation
and a screen ID on the display, where the operation has been executed, based on the
operation history, and stores the information of relation with screen ID in the storage.
[0089] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
a process for writing details of new operation and the screen ID of the screen selected
upon the operation of the operation history, thereby storing the updated operation
history in the storage. Here, in order to reduce writing time as much as possible,
necessary operation information may be temporarily stored on the main memory, and
may be written with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0090] Subsequently, the program for calculating information of relation with screen ID
causes the CPU to execute calculation of the rates of executing an operation when
the graphic indicated by the screen ID has been selected based on the information
of operation history stored in the main memory.
[0091] When it is determined that calculation of the rates is executed by the CPU, the program
for determining look-ahead range causes the CPU to execute calculation for determining
the look-ahead range based on the information of rates stored in the memory. Here,
it is possible to execute calculation, so that the look-ahead range is allocated to
the graphic information correlated with the respective operations in proportion to
the rates. The determination of look-ahead range may be executed with respect to each
operation, and may be executed with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0092] Other concrete configurations are the same as those of the display apparatus of any
one of the first to sixth embodiments, so that descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Seventh Embodiment>
[0093] Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the seventh
embodiment. The processes in Fig. 27 include the following steps. At the outset, in
step 2701, it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here,
if an operation not concerning graphic has been received, it can be determined that
the graphic operation has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic
operation has been received, step S2702 is carried out. If it is determined that the
graphic operation has not been received, the processing stays in a standby state.
This processing is mainly carried out by the graphic operator. In step S2702, the
operation history is updated based on the received graphic operation information.
In step S2703, the information of rates of executing the respective operations when
the screen ID has been selected is calculated from the operation history. In step
S2704, the look-ahead range of the graphic information, which can be used for display,
is determined based on the above information of rates. This processing is mainly carried
out by the determination unit for look-ahead range. In step S2704, look-ahead caching
of the graphic information is carried out. This processing is mainly carried out by
the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Seventh Embodiment>
[0094] According to the display apparatus of the seventh embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the detail of past operation for the graphic and the information
of relation with the screen ID of the graphic displayed at the point of graphic operation,
and the look-ahead caching of the graphic information, which can be used for the display
in the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth display of the graphic in response
to the successive and high-speed operations without sufficient capacity of storage
area in a memory to store the cache information.
<<Eighth Embodiment>>
<Concept of Eighth Embodiment>
[0095] A display apparatus of a eighth embodiment is basically the same as that of any one
of the first to seventh embodiments, and is different from those of the first to seventh
embodiments in storing a relation between an operation and a screen area, in which
a graphic pointer has been located upon the operation, as the operation history.
<Configuration of Eighth Embodiment>
[0096] Fig. 28 is a functional block diagram of a display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
A 'display apparatus' 2800 of the eighth embodiment comprises a 'graphic display'
2801, a 'graphic operator' 2802, a 'storage for operation history' 2803, a 'look-ahead
cache' 2804, and a 'determination unit for look-ahead range' 2805. The 'storage for
operation history' comprises 'means for storing a relation with location area' 2806.
The other configurations are basically the same as those of the apparatus of any one
of the first to seventh embodiments, so that only the means for storing a relation
with location area is different from the first to seventh embodiments, and description
thereof is provided hereinbelow.
[0097] The 'means for storing a relation with location area' is configured to store a relation
between the operation executed through the graphic operator and a screen area, in
which a graphic pointer has been located upon the operation, as the operation history.
[0098] For example, when the screen area is divided into four sections as shown in Fig.
29, and graphic pointers are allocated to the respective divided areas, the number
of executions of the respective operations may be stored as the operation history.
Here, the dividing may be carried out in various manners, and may not be equally-divided.
By executing a statistical processing for the operation history, for example, it is
possible to calculate the rates of execution of each operation when the graphic pointers
are allocated to an area in the screen area as shown in Fig. 30. Here, for the sake
of convenience, the 'key operation for moving up and down or right and left' is described
as the operation concerning graphic. However, the same applies to other operations
such as the 'key operation for scaling up or down' and the 'key operation for rotating
the graphic components'.
[0099] When the graphic pointer is located in the screen area 1, the rates of key operation
in the direction of leftward or upward is high, and when the graphic pointer is located
in the screen area 4, the rates of key operation in the direction of rightward or
downward is high. Thus, when there is significant relation between each screen area
and each operation, the cache memory is allocated to the graphic information correlated
with each operation in proportion to the above rates, thereby enabling cache of the
graphic information according to the location of the graphic pointer.
<Concrete Configuration of Eighth Embodiment>
[0100] Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of
the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment. The configuration is basically the
same as that of the apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to
Fig. 4. However, the apparatus of the eighth embodiment has a program for calculating
a relation between an operation and a screen area, in which a graphic pointer has
been located upon the operation, from the operation history, and stores the information
of relation with location area.
[0101] In cases where the graphic operation is executed through the I/O, the CPU executes
a process for writing the location information of the graphic pointer in the screen
area of the operation history, thereby storing the updated operation history in the
storage. Here, in order to reduce writing time as much as possible, necessary operation
information may be temporarily stored on the main memory, and may be written with
respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0102] Subsequently, the program for calculating information of relation with location area
causes the CPU to execute calculation of the rates of executing an operation when
the graphic pointer is located in an area based on the information of operation history
stored in the main memory.
[0103] When it is determined that calculation of the rates is executed by the CPU, the program
for determining look-ahead range causes the CPU to execute calculation for determining
the look-ahead range based on the information of rates stored in the memory. Here,
it is possible to execute calculation, so that the look-ahead range is allocated to
the graphic information correlated with the respective operations in proportion to
the rates. The determination of look-ahead range may be executed with respect to each
operation, and may be executed with respect to each predetermined number of operations.
[0104] Other concrete configurations are the same as those of the display apparatus of any
one of the first to seventh embodiments, so that descriptions are omitted.
<Processing Flow of Eighth Embodiment>
[0105] Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing processes in the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
The processes in Fig. 32 include the following steps. At the outset, in step 3201,
it is determined whether the graphic operation has been received. Here, if an operation
not concerning graphic has been received, it can be determined that the graphic operation
has not been received. Here, if it is determined that the graphic operation has been
received, step S3202 is carried out. If it is determined that the graphic operation
has not been received, the processing stays in a standby state. This processing is
mainly carried out by the graphic operator. In step S3202, the operation history is
updated based on the received graphic operation information. In step S3203, the information
of rates of executing the respective operations when the graphic pointer is located
in an area is calculated from the operation history. In step S3204, the look-ahead
range of the graphic information, which can be used for display, is determined based
on the above information of rates. This processing is mainly carried out by the determination
unit for look-ahead range. In step S3205, look-ahead caching of the graphic information
is carried out. This processing is mainly carried out by the look-ahead cache.
<Brief Description of Effects of Eighth Embodiment>
[0106] According to the display apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the subsequent operation
is predicted based on the detail of past operation for the graphic and the information
of relation with the screen area, where the graphic pointer has been located at the
point of graphic operation, and the look-ahead caching of the graphic information,
which can be used for the display in the future, is executed, thereby enabling smooth
display of the graphic in response to the successive and high-speed operations without
sufficient capacity of storage area in a memory to store the cache information.